Abstract: A computing device is configured with a multifunctional backlit display. The backlighting can be operated in at least a first mode and a second mode. In a first mode, the backlighting provides luminance to the display so that images on the display can be easily seen. In a second mode, the backlighting provides visual stimulus for relaying information to a user or a user's surroundings.

Abstract: A method for a device to receive a user input commanding the device to perform an action includes detecting a first amount of force exerted onto a graphical user interface, providing an indication that additional force must be exerted onto the graphical user interface to command the device to perform the action, detecting a second amount of force larger than the first amount of force exerted onto the graphical user interface, and providing a signal including data commanding performance of the action.

Abstract: Transmitting devices facilitate privacy protection of content broadcasted from the transmitting device to a receiving device without the need to modify the receiving device. A transmitting device may be adapted to acquire content, such as audio and/or video data, to be broadcasted by the transmitter for reception and use by a receiving device. A transmission range is selected to define a distance for broadcasting the content from the transmission device for reception and use by a receiving device. A frequency is also selected to be used for broadcasting the content. With the transmission range and frequency selected, the transmitting device may broadcast the content according to the selected transmission range and frequency.

Abstract: A device includes a graphical user interface configured to receive a user input by user exertion of force onto the graphical user interface. The device further includes a detection logic operatively connected to the graphical user interface and configured to produce a signal including data indicative of a first amount of force exerted at a location on the graphical user interface. The device also includes an indication logic operatively connected to the detection logic and configured to determine based on the signal including data indicative of the first amount of force exerted at the location on the graphical user interface that the first amount of force is insufficient to command the device to perform an action based on the user input. The indication logic is further configured to produce a signal including data indicating that additional force must be exerted to command the device to perform the action.

Abstract: A method of indicating the availability of a communication service begins by receiving, at a handheld communication device, a service indication of an availability of one of a plurality of communication services, via a wireless communication mode, to the communication device. The handheld communication device receives the service indication from a provider of the one communication service via a wireless non-traffic channel of the wireless communication mode. The communication device then provides a user-indication of the communication service availabilities in accordance with the received service indication.

Abstract: A system includes a substrate having a first side and a second side, more than one optical sources, wherein at least one optical source is coupled to the first side and at least one optical source is coupled to the second side, a power source operatively connected to the optical sources, a switch connected to the power source, and an RF receiver connected to the switch. The optical sources may be LEDs and may operate within the visible or infrared spectrum. The system may include an enclosure that is configured to be attached to antenna masts of a radio relay device. The enclosure may have windows to allow light from the optical sources to pass unobstructed through the enclosure. In some embodiments, the system is contained within the radio relay device. The system may be remotely controlled to illuminate a distant object or structure.

Abstract: A keypad backlighting apparatus includes an electroluminescence layer for lighting an input device of an electronic apparatus. The input device may be a keypad and the electronic apparatus may be a mobile communications terminal. The terminal includes an upper case having a plurality of button holes formed in a predetermined pattern, electroluminescence (EL) keypad on a lower surface of the upper case and having buttons exposed through the button holes. A printed circuit board (PCB) installed adjacent the EL keypad includes a backlight driving circuit for supplying power to the EL keypad. A lower case of the terminal is coupled to the upper case and supports the EL keypad and the PCB.

Abstract: A mobile radio device improves its operability with a simple configuration and facilitates the pointing operation of a pointer displayed on a screen to a desired area. First apparatus displays a first area, a second area, and a pointer on a screen. The second area is partitioned by a boundary and located outside the first area. The pointer is movable on the screen according to a user's operation. Second apparatus acquires position information of the pointer on the screen. Third apparatus sets positional information of the first area and the second area. Fourth apparatus notifies with vibration, sound, and/or light the user a fact that the pointer is moved on the screen across the boundary between the first area and the second area based on the position information of the pointer acquired by the second apparatus and the positional information of the first area and the second area set by the third apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for automatically installing and/or aligning antennas of wireless bridges in computer networks. In general terms, when a particular bridge is installed or aligned, an installation mode is triggered which automatically displays an indication of one or more signal strength levels of signals received into the particular bridge. In the automatic installation mode, the particular bridge automatically searches for a remote bridge with which it can associate. After a remote bridge is associated with the particular bridge, the signal strength received by the particular bridge from the found bridge is then displayed on one or more indicators, such as light emitting diodes. Thus, one can then adjust the antenna of the bridge until an optimum power level is achieved without using any specialized equipment, such as a voltmeter or laptop for interfacing with the bridge to obtain the signal strength indication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for displaying signal strength bars in a wireless terminal device. In the first step, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) values of the wireless terminal device consecutively collected for a predetermined time T are analyzed, and C/I (Carrier to Interference) ratios consecutively calculated for the predetermined time T are analyzed. In the second step, the number of signal strength bars to be displayed on the wireless terminal device is determined based on the analysis result of the first step. In the third step, the determined number of signal strength bars is displayed on the wireless terminal device. The signal strength bars are displayed in consideration of peripheral interferences around a wireless terminal device, and thus users can see the telephone communication quality or data transfer speed more accurately.

Abstract: At least one key of a keypad of an electronic device, such as a wireless terminal, includes a polymer light emitting device, also referred to as a polymer LED, thereon. A polymer LED may be on the inner and/or outer surface of the face of the key and may be unpatterned and/or patterned to form a symbol.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal which includes a plurality of lights, apparatus for controlling the activation of the lights, apparatus for storing a number of sequences of activation of the lights, and apparatus for assigning one of the stored sequences of the activation of the lights to a particular event in the mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for automatically installing and/or aligning antennas of wireless bridges in computer networks. In general terms, when a particular bridge is installed or aligned, an installation mode is triggered which automatically displays an indication of one or more signal strength levels of signals received into the particular bridge. In the automatic installation mode, the particular bridge automatically searches for a remote bridge with which it can associate. After a remote bridge is associated with the particular bridge, the signal strength received by the particular bridge from the found bridge is then displayed on one or more indicators, such as light emitting diodes. Thus, one can then adjust the antenna of the bridge until an optimum power level is achieved without using any specialized equipment, such as a voltmeter or laptop for interfacing with the bridge to obtain the signal strength indication.